A bill spelling out the use of opioid lawsuit settlement funds by cities and counties is going to a conference committee. The North Dakota House declined to
The ability of some rural Ward County residents to access federal flood insurance is at stake in decisions facing Ward County and certain townships. The Ward
Ward County commissioners have taken a stand against state legislation they feel will interfere with its decisions on how to use money from an opioid lawsuit se
Ward County employees will have two options for COVID-19 antibody testing at no personal cost.
The Ward County Commission on Tuesday gave approval to a June blood drive and to using federal CARES Act dollars to cover the $70 cost for employees who wish to receive antibody testing at Trinity Health.
Vitalant, the local blood services provider, continues to offer free antibody testing to its blood donors. Antibodies develop following an infection, and components from blood found to be positive for antibodies are sometimes used in COVID-19 treatment.
Human Resources Director Tammy Terras explained the testing will guide employee decision making regarding when to get a rapid COVID-19 screening test, when to quarantine and whether to get the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people who test positive for antibodies still quarantine after virus exposure, she said.
jschramm@minotdailynews.com
Ward County employees will continue to receive COVID-19 leave under an updated policy approved by the county commission Tuesday.
The county had adopted a policy in accordance with federal law last year to provide up to 80 days of leave for employees faced with quarantine or who had positive tests for COVID-19. The commission optionally extended the program to March 31 of this year, allowing employees who did not use their full leave in 2020 to carry over leave into 2021.
The commission took additional, optional action Tuesday to adopt a new policy, effective April 1, that provides 80 hours of leave through Sept. 30 for all employees, including those who already have used previous hours. Under the new policy, the county can apply for a federal payroll tax credit for wages paid during employees’ leaves.